King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 4:3 Mean?

Deuteronomy 4:3 in the King James Version says “Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.

Deuteronomy 4:3 · KJV


Context

1

Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

3

Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.

4

But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.

5

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The reference to Baal-peor—'Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor'—invokes recent judgment as warning. The contrast 'the LORD thy God hath destroyed them... from among you' versus those who 'clave unto the LORD your God are alive' emphasizes that faithfulness preserves life while idolatry brings death. Past judgment should inform present obedience—God's holiness and justice remain constant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Baal-peor incident (Numbers 25) occurred shortly before this address, where 24,000 Israelites died in a plague after engaging in sexual immorality and idol worship with Moabite women. This fresh memory made Moses' warnings vivid and powerful. Those who remained faithful survived; those who compromised perished. The contrast was undeniable and recent.

Reflection Questions

  1. What recent examples of sin's consequences should warn you toward faithfulness?
  2. How does 'claving unto the LORD' manifest practically in your daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙1 of 20

Your eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הָֽרֹא֔וֹת2 of 20

have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֵ֛ת3 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֥ה5 of 20

did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֥ה6 of 20

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּבַ֣עַל7 of 20
H0
פְּע֔וֹר8 of 20

Baalpeor

H1187

baal-peor, a moabitish deity

כִּ֣י9 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָל10 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאִ֗ישׁ11 of 20

for all the men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר12 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָלַךְ֙13 of 20
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י14 of 20

that followed

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

בַֽעַל15 of 20
H0
פְּע֔וֹר16 of 20

Baalpeor

H1187

baal-peor, a moabitish deity

הִשְׁמִיד֛וֹ17 of 20

hath destroyed

H8045

to desolate

יְהוָ֥ה18 of 20

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ19 of 20

thy God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מִקִּרְבֶּֽךָ׃20 of 20

them from among

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 4:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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